2016-06-23 Thu

The day of 23rd June is allotted to the widows all over the world. Established by The Loomba Foundation, the International Widows Day to United Nations ratified day to address injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries.

Once widowed, women in many countries often confront denial by society and hardships to survive. In many countries, a woman’s social status is inextricably linked to her husband’s, so that when her husband dies, a woman no longer has a place in society.

India too has witnessed subjugation of widows. Because of the efforts taken by the social reformers like Pandita Ramabai, Justice Ranade, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the Indian scenario has changed a lot. However, this is not the case with many countries of the world. Women are still looked down upon by the societies. Not only the widows but also the children of widows are often affected, both emotionally and economically.

As millions of the world’s widows endure extreme poverty, ostracism, violence, homelessness, ill health and discrimination in law and custom, the day of 23rd June is devoted to raise awareness about the problems faced by the widows and their children. On June 23, 2016, the United Nations raise awareness on the troubles of widowed women with the International Widows Day.

International Widows' Day is a brainchild of Raj Loomba a philanthropist and a founder of Loomba Foundation. Loomba has become well known for his fundraising and campaigning concerning the issue of widowhood in the developing world. It was in his mother’s memory that was widowed at the age of 37 the observance falls on June 23 – the day his mother lost her husband and became a widow.

To raise awareness on this issue many nations have released stamps. The republic of Gabon issued a set of three stamps with the denomination of 150 Francs each featuring Widows and Children of the country.